Blue Bombers roster - 2023-2024

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-09-05    WPG    Hubert, Owen    DL    N    McMaster    TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER    Practice Roster
2024-09-05    WPG    Chris-Ike, Michael    RB    N    Delaware State    TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER    Practice Roster
2024-09-05    WPG    Bridges, Marquise    DB    A    North Dakota State    ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER    Game Roster
2024-09-05    WPG    Bowers, Lourenz    LB    N    Western University    DEL    Free Agent

Injury Report:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers
Injury Report: September 5, 2024



Saskatchewan Roughriders  @sskroughriders
Injury report & Game status - Sept 5, 2024

[gobombersgo]

Game 13:

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
The @Wpg_BlueBombers make two changes for the Banjo Bowl -- on are OL Pat Neufeld and DB Marquise Bridges; off are LB Adam Bighill and DE Owen Hubert. Bighill has been placed on the six-game injured list while LT Stanley Bryant is on the one-game.

Derek Taylor   @DTonOB
Bombers roster for the Banjo Bowl.

G Paddy Neufeld returns after four games out with a knee injury. And LB Adam Bighill goes onto 6-game injured list.

Bombers will go with 6 DL, 6 LBs and 11 DBs.

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
#Bombers roster for tomorrow's Banjo Bowl confirms return of OL Pat Neufeld and second straight absence for OL Stanley Bryant. REC/KR Lucky Whitehead is in, LB Adam Bighill out.

Jeff Hamilton   @jeffkhamilton
Bombers depth chart and roster ahead of Sat's Banjo Bowl against the Roughriders. Patrick Neufeld draws back in after missing the last four weeks, while Stanley Bryant will miss a second week. Adam Bighill to the 6-game, where he's expected to remain all season w/ a knee injury.

Taylor Shire   @Taylor_Shire
#Riders depth chart vs #Bombers:

Interior OL has changed with Zerr set for first CFL start with Noll on as backup.

Godber & Fry head to 6-game IL.

Ford and Wiebe make their season debuts after 12 games on the injured list.

Meyers heads to 6-game IL so Ajou starts at SB.

Mitchell Blair   @mblairYQR
Jaxon Ford making what I think is his first appearance of the season. Nick Wiebe making his first appearance.

O-line is a work in progress. No Micah? 😀

Dohnte Meyers placed on 6 game IL






Patrick Neufeld returns for Blue Bombers in Banjo Bowl, Stanley Bryant remains out
By John Hodge -September 6, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have veteran offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld back in the starting lineup for the Banjo Bowl on Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The six-foot-six, 311-pound blocker has missed the team's past four games due to a knee injury with Kendall Randolph and Tui Eli taking over his spot at right guard. The 35-year-old native of Regina, Sask. native has played 161 career CFL regular season games and was named a CFL all-star in each of the past three seasons.

Winnipeg will remain without the services of franchise left tackle Stanley Bryant, who has been moved from the six-game injured list to the one-game injured list. Randolph, a rookie out of the University of Alabama, will make his second straight start at left tackle this week after allowing zero sacks during the Labour Day Classic.

The Blue Bombers have also moved veteran linebacker Adam Bighill to the six-game injured list after his knee was hurt late in last week's game. He was seen on crutches in the locker room after the win and didn't practice this week and will be replaced on Saturday by longtime backup Shayne Gauthier.

Zach Collaros will start for the Blue Bombers on Saturday despite taking a headshot in the Labour Day Classic and missing the second half, a decision head coach Mike O'Shea called "precautionary." He threw for 218 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 35-33 victory in a little under one half of work.

Rookie defensive back Marquise Bridges has been promoted to the active roster in a depth role, while Canadian defensive lineman Owen Hubert has been moved to the practice roster. Rookie fullback Michael Chris-Ike has also been moved to the practice roster after completing a stint on the six-game injured list.

Winnipeg has won the past four Banjo Bowls by a combined score of 173-45 and holds an all-time lead of 12-7 in the annual rivalry game. The season series between the Blue Bombers and Roughriders is up for grabs this week, though it's unlikely to come into play in the West Division standings as Saskatchewan has an odd number of points due to their tie against Ottawa from Week 10.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6) will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-6-1) on Saturday, Sept. 7 with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/06/patrick-neufeld-returns-for-blue-bombers-in-banjo-bowl-stanley-bryant-remains-out/

Riders place OLs Peter Godber, Zack Fry on six-game injured list ahead of Banjo Bowl
By 3Down Staff -September 6, 2024

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and the situation isn't getting better in the Banjo Bowl.

The team announced on Friday that starting centre Peter Godber (ankle) would be placed on the six-game injured list. Left guard Zack Fry (elbow), who was only starting due to previous injuries to Philip Blake and Ryan Sceviour, will join him on the shelf. That brings the total number of Rider offensive linemen out long-term up to six, with tackles Jermarcus Hardrick and Jacob Brammer also on the six-game.

Defensive tackle Micah Johnson had to step in along the offensive line mid-game for the second time this season in the Labour Day Classic, but the team has now found more permanent solutions. Versatile veteran Logan Ferland will move over to centre, while Canadian Noah Zerr and American Nick Jones get their first career starts in the guard spots. Brayden Noll will dress as the sixth man.

Also heading to the six-game this week is promising young receiver Dohnte Meyers (shoulder), who racked up 24 receptions for 349 yards and a touchdown in just five games. Rookie Canadian Ajou Ajou will slide into the starting lineup, with fellow draft pick Dhel Duncan-Busby coming on as insurance.

On defence, this week will mark the return of Canadian defensive back Jaxon Ford and the CFL debut for rookie linebacker Nick Wiebe, both of whom were injured for the first two-thirds of the year. Another rookie linebacker, Melique Straker (hip), has been placed on the six-game, while veteran Canadian DB Kosi Onyeka heads to the practice roster.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-6-1) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6) for the Banjo Bowl rematch on Saturday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/06/riders-place-ols-peter-godber-zack-fry-on-six-game-injured-list-ahead-of-banjo-bowl/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-09-06   WPG   BIGHILL, Adam   LB   A   Central Washington   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-09-06   WPG   BRYANT, Stanley   OL   A   East Carolina   TRF TO SINGLE GAME INJURY   Single Game Injury
2024-09-06   WPG   NEUFELD, Patrick   OL   N   Saskatchewan   ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY   Game Roster

[gobombersgo]

CFL clubs reveal 10 names from negotiation lists
September 11, 2024

TORONTO — The nine CFL teams have each unveiled 10 players from their negotiation lists. Clubs are required to do so on two occasions each year – in September and December – following a measure approved at the 2018 CFL winter meetings.

CFL by-laws state that teams can claim exclusive rights for up to 45 players by placing them on their negotiation lists. Players can be added, removed or traded from the lists at any time.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
NAME   POSITION   COLLEGE
Chase Artopoeus   QB   Chattanooga
Kyler Baugh   DL   Minnesota
Dylan Drummond   WR   Eastern Michigan
Maalik Hall   DL   Southeastern Oklahoma State
Jake Hornibrook   OL   Duke
Emory Jones   QB   Cincinnati
Andrew Parker Jr.   LB   Appalachian State
Kiondre Thomas   DB   Kansas State
Trey Vaval   DB   Minnesota State-Mankato
Cameron Wire   OL   Tulane

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/09/11/cfl-clubs-reveal-10-names-from-negotiation-lists-2/

[gobombersgo]

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
The @Wpg_BlueBombers make official the additions of QBs Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott; release WR Josh Johnson

Bombers add QBs Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott to practice roster
September 16, 2024

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced on Monday that they have signed quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott. Both players have been added to the practice roster.

The signings come after Bombers' backup quarterback Chris Streveler was injured in the team's Week 14 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Dolegala (six-foot-seven, 242 pounds) signs with the Bombers after being released by the BC Lions earlier this season. The quarterback has spent the last three seasons in the CFL, two with the Roughriders (2022-2023), and this year with the BC Lions (2024).

Dolegala has appeared in 24 CFL games, starting in 11, and has thrown for 2,968 yards on 246 completions for 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 112 yards and one touchdown.

In 2019, Dolegala signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the year on the 53-man roster, but did not see any game action. The quarterback then landed the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021).

Dolegala spent his four-year collegiate career (2015-2018) with Central Connecticut State University. Over that time, he would complete 654 passes for 8,129 yards and 48 touchdowns, finishing with a career passer rating of 126.5 while also rushing for 292 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Scott (six-foot-two, 220 pounds) signs with the Bombers after several stints in the CFL and USFL. In 2023 and 2024, Scott was a member of the Toronto Argonauts, dressing for all 18 games in 2023 and all nine games in 2024 before his release. In 2024, Scott threw for 79 yards on five completions, one being a 40-yard touchdown pass.

Scott briefly spent time with the Edmonton Elks in 2019, but chose to opt-out of his contract after the 2020 CFL season was cancelled.

Prior to joining the Argonauts, Scott started three games for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL (2022), throwing for 558 yards on 60 completions for five touchdowns.

In his collegiate career (2013-2016), Scott appeared in 32 games, throwing for 9,073 yards on 763 completions for 77 touchdowns, and rushed for 402 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The team has also released American receiver Josh Johnson.

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/09/16/bombers-add-qbs-jake-dolegala-and-bryan-scott-to-practice-roster/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-09-16   WPG   WOLITARSKY, Drew   WR   N   Minnesota   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-09-16   WPG   JOHNSON, Josh   WR   A   Tulsa   DEL   Free Agent
2024-09-16   WPG   DOLEGALA, Jake   QB   A   Central Connecticut State   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   Chris-Ike, Michael   RB   N   Delaware State   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   Wright, Brandon   DL   A   Michigan State   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   HART, Penny   WR   A   Georgia State   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   SCOTT, Bryan   QB   A   Occidental College   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   WHEATFALL, Keric   WR   A   Fresno State   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   Dandy, Russell   DB   A   Eastern Illinois   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-09-16   WPG   GRAINGER, Darren   QB   A   Georgia State   ADD   Practice Roster

[J5V]

I wonder what they found with Wolitarsky that caused him to be six-gamed. Broken ribs? Man, if so, the guy is a tough dude for toughing it out like he did and actually trying to come back and play. We could all see he was hurting. Here's to hoping he heals up fast. He's a very good receiver and one of Zach's favorite targets.

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers sign quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott to practice roster
September 16, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott. Both players have been added to the practice roster.

Dolegala (6-7, 242, Central Connecticut; born: October 7, 1996, in Hamburg, NY) signs with the Bombers after being released by the BC Lions earlier this season. The quarterback has spent the last three seasons in the CFL, two with the Roughriders (2022-2023), and this year with the BC Lions (2024).

Dolegala has appeared in 24 CFL games, starting in 11, and has thrown for 2,968 yards on 246 completions for 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 112 yards and one touchdown.

In 2019, Dolegala signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the year on the 53-man roster, but did not see any game action. The quarterback then landed the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021).

Dolegala spent his four-year collegiate career (2015-2018) with Central Connecticut State University. Over that time, he would complete 654 passes for 8,129 yards and 48 touchdowns, finishing with a career passer rating of 126.5 while also rushing for 292 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Scott (6-2, 220, Occidental College; born: August 17, 1995, in Rolling Hills, CA) signs with the Bombers after several stints in the CFL and USFL. In 2023 and 2024, Scott was a member of the Toronto Argonauts, dressing for all 18 games in 2023 and all nine games in 2024 before his release. In 2024, Scott threw for 79 yards on five completions, one being a 40-yard touchdown pass.

Scott briefly spent time with the Edmonton Elks in 2019, but chose to opt-out of his contract after the 2020 CFL season was cancelled.

Prior to joining the Argonauts, Scott started three games for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL (2022), throwing for 558 yards on 60 completions for five touchdowns.

In his collegiate career (2013-2016), Scott appeared in 32 games, throwing for 9,073 yards on 763 completions for 77 touchdowns, and rushed for 402 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The team has also released American receiver Josh Johnson.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/16/blue-bombers-sign-quarterbacks-jake-dolegala-and-bryan-scott-to-practice-roster/

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers add to practice roster
September 17, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has added quarterback Darren Grainger, defensive end Brandon Wright, defensive back Russell Dandy, receiver Penny Hart . All players are Americans.

Grainger (6-4, 225, Georgia State; born: July 21, 2000, in Conway, SC.) returns to the Bombers after a late release from this year's training camp.  Grainger spent a five-year collegiate career with Furman (2018-2019) and Georgia State (2021-2023). With Furman, Grainger appeared in 17 games, starting 12, throwing for 1,403 yards on 161 attempts for five touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns.

Upon a transfer to Georgia State for the 2021 season, the next three seasons saw Grainger start 36 of 38 FBS games, completing 554 passes for 6,779 yards and 57 touchdowns, finishing his collegiate career with a passer rating of 142.4. Grainger also rushed 456 times for 2,153 yards and 19 touchdowns. Grainger appeared for the Bombers against the Calgary Stampeders at the end of training camp, completing one pass for 13 yards, but left the game due to injury.

Wright (6-2, 250, Michigan State; born: Aug. 13, 2000, in Euclid, OH.) comes to the Bombers after a five-year collegiate career (2019-2023) with Michigan State. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons as a running back, Wright appeared in 12 games, rushing 24 times for 61 yards.

For the 2021 season, Wright was converted to a defensive end to strengthen the pass rush. From 2021 to 2023, Wright would appear in 28 games, starting in seven of them, achieving 44 tackles, six tackle-for-losses, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one knockdown.

Hart (5-8, 180, Georgia State; born: July 5, 1996, in Roswell, GA.) joins the Bombers after spending four seasons (2015-2018) with Georgia State, and three stints in the NFL (2019-2023).

Hart was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts in May 2019. After landing on the injured reserve, he was released and signed to the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks in October 2019. Over the next three seasons (2020-2022), Hart appeared in 39 NFL games, catching 11 passes for 82 yards and rushing once for 19 yards. The receiver then signed with the Atlanta Falcons but was released in October 2023.

In college, Hart started 35 of 38 games, recording 203 receptions for 2,960 yards and 19 touchdowns, 16 punt returns for 200 yards and one touchdown, and 15 kick returns for 299 yards.

Dandy (6-0, 170, Eastern Illinois; born: April 28, 2000, in Hinesville, GA.) returns to the Bombers after a release at the end of this year's training camp.

Dandy started his collegiate career with Butte College (2018-2019), where he would make 25 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, three knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 15 games.

Following a transfer to Eastern Illinois (2021-2023), Dandy achieved 61 solo tackles, 13 assists, 3.5 tackle-for-losses, three interceptions, 24 knockdowns, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 25 games (24 starts). In his final year (2023), Dandy was selected to the First Team All-Big South Conference and led the FCS in passes defended with 19 knockdowns and one interception.

Dandy recently attended the New York Jets rookie minicamp after being unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/17/blue-bombers-add-to-practice-roster/

[gobombersgo]

Ed Tait  @EdTaitWFC
Numbers for the new QBs at @Wpg_BlueBombers practice today:
Jake Dolegala - 15
Bryan Scott - 12
Darren Grainger - 00

Other new @Wpg_BlueBombers player numbers:
DB Russell Dandy -- 34
REC Penny Hart - 81
DE Jay Person - 38
DE Brandon Wright - 48

Need to Know Week 16
September 17, 2024

WELCOME BACK, STAN: Blue Bombers future hall of fame tackle Stanley Bryant spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since being taken off the field in the win over Hamilton with what was determined to be a viral infection.

OUCH REPORT: The Blue Bombers were without WRs Drew Wolitarsky and Lucky Whitehead, but did welcome back Bryant and LBs Brian Cole and Kyrie Wilson.

DB Deatrick Nichols was not in attendance but O'Shea said he was 'excused' for what was called a personal matter.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/17/need-to-know-week-16/


September 18, 2024
OUCH UPDATE: DB Deatrick Nichols was back at his post with the starting defence on Wednesday after being excused from Tuesday's session. Meanwhile, Kevens Clercius and Keric Wheatfall were taking most of the work in the spots previously occupied by Drew Wolitarsky (injured, ribs) and Josh Johnson (released on Monday). Lucky Whitehead was a non-participant again on Wednesday, with Kody Case and Evan Holm handling punt return chores.

As well, veteran linebacker Kyrie Wilson appears very close to returning.

"I'm ready to go whenever my number is called," said Wilson. "It sucks because we miss a big piece in Adam Bighill, but I guess it's good timing to be able to be back and help out and take over where he left off at.

"It's all up to Coach O'Shea and I respect whatever decision he makes."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/18/i-just-want-to-continue-to-learn-and-get-better-and-see-where-it-takes-me/

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers add to practice roster
September 19, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has added American defensive end Jay Person to the practice roster.

Person (6-2, 233, Tennessee-Chattanooga; born: March 20, 2000, in Conway, SC.) joins the Bombers after NFL stints with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a collegiate career with Appalachian State (2018), and Tennessee-Chattanooga (2019-2023). Person signed as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots, was released, then signed by the Buccaneers in early August. Person appeared in all three 2024 pre-season games with the Bucs, finishing with three tackles and two assists.

At Chattanooga, Person started in 38 of 49 games, recording 27 sacks, 228 tackles, 56 tackle-for-losses, five knockdowns, nine forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished both of his last two seasons (2022-2023) as the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and as a first-team Associated Press All-American.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/19/blue-bombers-add-to-practice-roster-2/

Transactions:

2024-09-19   WPG   Person, Jason   LB   A   Chattanooga   ADD   Practice Roster

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers

Injury Report: September 19, 2024



Elks Injury Report 2024
https://www.goelks.com/depth-chart-updates/injury-report/

[gobombersgo]

Game 14:

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
The Blue Bombers have made 5 changes this week. On are OL Stanley Bryant, QB Jake Dolegala, LB Kyrie Wilson, FB Michael Chris-Ike and WR Keric Wheatfall. Off are QB Chris Streveler, DB Marquise Bridges, OL Micah Vanterpool, WR Drew Wolitarsky and WR Josh Johnson.
Streveler and Wolitarsky have been moved to the six-game injured list. Dolegala listed at 3 behind Collaros and Terry Wilson; Lucky Whitehead listed behind Wheatfall and will serve as the returner.

Derek Taylor  @DTonOB

Bombers depth for Saturday at Edmonton. Stanley Bryant and Kyrie Willson return.
Keric Wheatfall goes in for the released Josh Johnson.
Lucky Whitehead will play after not practicing again this week.

Dave Campbell    @Dave_CHED
#Elks lose REC Hergy Mayala (calf) and is placed on the 6-game injured list. Javon Leake (personal) is on the one-game. As expected, QB Tre Ford starts. DE A.C. Leonard who was signed a week ago will play tomorrow. #CFL

Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers

How we'll lineup tomorrow.



Edmonton Elks  @GoElks

Depth chart day!   Here is how the Elks will line-up on Saturday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.



Future Hall of Fame LT Stanley Bryant returns to Bombers' lineup
By 3Down Staff -September 20, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have one of the best to ever do it back in the lineup when they take on the Edmonton Elks.

Left tackle Stanley Bryant will start this week after missing the past two games due to a medical incident in the first quarter of the team's Week 12 game with Hamilton. The 38-year-old had to be stretchered off the field and taken to hospital, though his collapse was later attributed to a combination of heat and illness.

Bryant is arguably the greatest offensive lineman in CFL history, having won a record four Most Outstanding Offensive Linemen awards. He's also ultra-durable, starting 148 of a possible 153 career games since joining the Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2015. He was a healthy scratch for the three games he missed, all of which came late in the season after Winnipeg had clinched first place in the West Division.

The legend's return will bump Kendall Randolph into a backup role, while Micah Vanterpool has been returned to the practice roster.

Also returning from injury is weak-side linebacker Kyrie Wilson, who last played in Week 7 due to a knee injury. In seven games this year, the 31-year-old has posted 28 defensive tackles and a sack. Defensive back Marquise Bridges has been returned to the practice squad to accommodate the move.

In the receiving corps, Canadian Drew Wolitarsky (ribs) has been added to the six-game injured list and will be replaced by rookie Kevens Clercius. Keric Wheatfall, who had three catches for 111 yards through the first two games of the year, also returns to the starting lineup following the release of Josh Johnson.

Terry Wilson will back up Zach Collaros and recently signed quarterback Jake Dolegala will serve as the third-stringer following the season-ending injury to Chris Streveler. Rookie fullback Michael Chris-Ike will also suit up as backfield depth.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) will visit the Edmonton Elks (5-8) on Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/20/future-hall-of-fame-lt-stanley-bryant-returns-to-bombers-lineup/


Elks without RB Javon Leake, REC Hergy Mayala for QB Tre Ford's return to starting lineup
By 3Down Staff -September 20, 2024

The Edmonton Elks will be without two critical offensive weapons for Tre Ford's much-anticipated return to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Running back and returner Javon Leake will not be in the lineup as he is back home dealing with a personal matter. The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Special Team Player has blossomed into an elite rushing threat since taking on an increased offensive role, carrying 80 times for 506 yards and five touchdowns while adding 26 receptions for 191 more yards through the air.

Canadian receiver Hergy Mayala (calf) also won't be available after being placed on the six-game injured list. The 28-year-old was on pace for a career year, notching 41 receptions for 503 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.

Veteran Kevin Brown and rookie Justin Rankin will continue to split carries in Leake's absence. Gavin Cobb is expected to step into the starting lineup for Mayala, with Frederik Antoine dressing for insurance.

Making his first appearance of the season will be veteran defensive end A.C. Leonard, who was re-signed earlier this week after being allowed to walk in free agency. The 32-year-old had a career-high 12 sacks last year for the Elks.

As expected, dual-threat Canadian Tre Ford will get the start at quarterback after the bye, sending veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson to the bench despite strong play of late. The former Hec Crighton Trophy winner has completed 35-of-45 passes for 473 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, while rushing 11 times for 79 yards. He went 2-0 as a starter but was forced to exit his second outing in the second quarter after sustaining an injury.

The Edmonton Elks (5-8) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) on Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/20/elks-without-rb-javon-leake-rec-hergy-mayala-for-qb-tre-fords-return-to-starting-lineup/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-09-20   WPG   Samson, Kyle   DL   N   UBC   TRF TO SINGLE GAME INJURY   Single Game Injury
2024-09-20   WPG   STREVELER, Chris   QB   A   South Dakota   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-09-20   WPG   WILSON, Kyrie   LB   A   Fresno State   ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY   Game Roster
2024-09-20   WPG   Bridges, Marquise   DB   A   North Dakota State   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-09-20   WPG   COLE II, Brian   LB   A   Mississippi State   EXT ON SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-09-20   WPG   BRYANT, Stanley   OL   A   East Carolina   ADD FROM SINGLE GAME INJURY   Game Roster
2024-09-20   WPG   VANTERPOOL, Micah   OL   A   Hawaii   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-09-20   WPG   DOLEGALA, Jake   QB   A   Central Connecticut State   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster

[gobombersgo]

Jeff Hamilton   @jeffkhamilton

Watching the Bombers warm-up at Commonwealth Stadium and there's no sign of LB Kyrie Wilson ahead of their game against the Elks. Wilson was expected to return from the 6-gm so we'll have to see what's up. #Bombers

LB Kyrie Wilson has been ruled OUT for tonight's game. Bombers will be re-issuing a new depth chart shortly.

The injury to Kyrie Wilson occurred early into the warm-up and while the Bombers aren't saying what it is right now, they are saying it's a different injury than the shoulder issue that's kept him out the last 6 games.

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC

Hearing that @Wpg_BlueBombers LB Kyrie Wilson was injured in the warm-up and will not be available to go today. The club will be issuing a new depth chart shortly.

So unfortunate... not sure what happened, but Wilson moves back to the six-game. The new
@Wpg_BlueBombers  depth now lists Michael Ayers in Wilson's LB spot.

The injury happened in pre-game. The team doesn't travel extra bodies

A little bit more info: the injury suffered by Kyrie Wilson was not the shoulder injury that has sidelined him before this.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers  @Wpg_BlueBombers
Sep 21

The team has issued the following roster updates:

LB Kyrie Wilson has been moved to the six game injured list.